Assessing packages when they arrive

[Tyro]

I have two 3lb. packages arriving the week of 27 April.  They are insured and the supplier's policy is to replace DOA packages one time.  My concern is in evaluating the packages when they arrive.  What are the criteria for deciding that a package did not make it?  Is there a ratio of dead to live bees that marks some decision making threshold?  I don't want to call a package dead that will actually survive, make a claim and then, essentially steal a free package from the supplier.  By the same token, I don't want to accept delivery of a package that is doomed, simply because I don't have enough experience to know that enough bees didn't make it alive.  Any advice would be appreciated.

One last question:  I assume that if a package is declared 'dead' at the post office, it will still have some live bees and possibly a queen in it.  What happens to those bees?  Does the post office keep them, does the customer keep them, do they go back to the supplier?  Thanks for any help. 

[Bee-Bop]

I would be on the phone with the supplier, he should answer your questions !

If there is a problem he's not going to take "well on the inter-net somebody said"

You should not really have any problems with delivery, just remeber once you sign for them they are YOUR responsibility !!

Hope you are a member of your local bee club, and read bee books from your
Public Library

Every one does things their own way.
Bee-Bop

[jdpro5010]

I would try to hook with an experienced beek or club in your area.  That will help you out alot with your questions.  I suppose though that first of all you and your supplier have to both determine what a dead package consists of. 

[Michael Bush]

Look at the number of dead bees on the bottom of the cage.  The more there are the less live ones there are.

[Tyro]

Unfortunately, joining or finding a club is not likely.  I live in commercial bee country, all the beekeepers around me are in business.  I have called around to some, and those that I have talked to are too busy with making a living to be bothered with a hobbyist (a lot of cold receptions - I am not faulting the commercial guys, it is just the nature of the beast I guess).  I am the only hobby beekeeper (that I am aware of) for some distance (maybe a 250 mile radius).  Fundamentally, this forum is my club!  I will talk with the supplier who is shipping them - but any shared experience or advice would be appreciated.

[jimmy]

How far are you from Towner,N.D. ?

[Tyro]

270 miles from Towner, ND.